TAC TIPS
We are resolving a number of cases every day and wanted to share some of the great conversations and tips we’ve had from across the country. Check back every day! Follow-up on Twitter or Facebook for a regular update.

Contributor: ACDelco’s Daily TAC Tip comes from Robert Forte and the team at ACDelco’s Technical Assistance Centre.Meet Rob!
Since 1992, Robert V. Forte has been actively involved as a Technician, Educator and Manager within the automotive industry in Canada. Robert is a graduate Mechanical Engineering Technician and is certified with the Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists.

April 28, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Stratford, PE.
Vehicle: 2010 Smart 42 Passion, 1.0L.
Condition: DTC B1192 and B11D1.
These fault codes pertain to the passenger detection sensor within the front seat. The part is integral to the seat assembly.

April 26, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Abbotsford, BC.
Vehicle: 2008 Ford F150, 5.3L.
Condition: Encoder motor fuse faulty.
Disconnect the encoder motor and re-check for short. If short remains, repair the wiring harness. If short is gone, replace encoder motor.

April 25, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Nepean, ON.
Vehicle: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado.
Condition: DTC B0012, SRS malfunction.
Follow procedure for code. Check the connector position assurance (CPA). Connector and CPA should snap together with an audible “click”.

April 22, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: White Rock, BC.
Vehicle: 2011 Buick Acadia.
Condition: Power steering rack replacement.
ACDelco provides 2 choices for rack replacement. PN 36R-0450 includes the inlet check valve which is not found on other replacements.

April 12, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Scarborough, ON.
Vehicle: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, 5.3L.
Condition: Will not re-start, only at WOT.
Check long and short term fuel trim. If vehicle is running rich, suspect a faulty ground connection.

April 4, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Midhurst, ON.
Vehicle: 2007 Chevrolet Equinox, 3.5L.
Condition: No communication with power steering module.
Follow procedure for no communications codes. Using an aftermarket scan tool may result in false DTC’s or no communication with some modules.

We’re listening! ACDelco’s TAC team listens because they know how frustrating it can be to get good sound advice when it comes to vehicle diagnostics.

It pays to get it done right, and fast - the first time!
That’s the objective for all of our ACDelco Technical Assistance Centre licensed technicians. To get your problem diagnosis dealt with quickly and correctly…and of course, to just be there to listen.

ACDelco Technical Assistance Centre – Diagnostic Hotline
Live Technical support via phone – available 60 hours a week!
New Rates per call! Contact the ACDelco Info-Line for further details. 1-800-263-3526
The ACDelco TAC line is fully staffed with multi-lingual technicians Monday – Friday from 8am-6pm EST, ensuring they are available to take your call (or fax, or email). English and French, our qualified TAC agents will be ready to answer your questions.

The TAC line uses the most advanced technology and current repair databases, in addition to detailed case information and data mining. Our agents have full access to common failure causes and repair procedures databases. Access to these cases can help solve the most complex requests.

Our TAC Specialists
ACDelco’s TAC line has master technicians supporting Domestic, European and Asian import vehicles. Agents have an impressive 50 years combined hands on experience and over 29 years of TAC work. The breadth of experience includes:

Working directly with 12 vehicle manufacturers and four aftermarket suppliers

13 years of in class training delivery

22 years of exotic vehicle experience

7 years field experience

10 years working through warranty issue mitigation

Auto body and collision repair

Heavy-duty and military powertrain experience.

Systems Support
ACDelco’s TAC agents have a lengthy list of technical resources and databases to support your complex questions. This includes factory OE information, as well as internal technical experts, field engineers, product specialists, and technical writers for several OEM's.

Resource databases include all major all makes manufacturers. Additional repair databases include Alldata, IATN, Mitchell1, Automotive Service Profession, eSI and more.

Robert Forte is a certified Mechanical Engineering Technician and has held a Class “A” automotive service license since 1989. He brings over 20 years of automotive service training experience to ACDelco including a diverse electrical diagnosis ability and wide knowledge of electronic diagnostic tools. A member of the Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologist, Robert started tinkering with all things mechanical at a young age with the help of his father, a European trained auto-electric specialist; he regularly restores electrical parts and systems in high end and vintage automobiles.

In 1996, Forte joined GM Canada at its ACDelco training center as a diagnostic specialist to provide technical support and training to automotive technicians. The proprietary diagnostic software and equipment required intense interaction with field engineers, installers and key marketing people, making Forte a key product specialist to car repairers nationwide.

Rob’s other attributes include working with U.S. law firms as an automotive accident and personal injury forensic specialist helping win several legal actions for quadriplegics injured in motor vehicles.

Robert also co-hosted a nationally recognized automotive radio show called “Driveline Radio” broadcasting on CKTB radio AM610 in St. Catherine’s and previously on “Guys Garage” with MOJO radio AM640 of Toronto having a total listening audience of over 100,000 listeners.

Agent: Jean Thibert

“If you don’t do any training, you will be obsolete in 8 years”.

Jean Thibert is a certified class A mechanic, with experience in the Ontario Department of Labour. He has an Inter-provincial Seal and an additional 8 years of experience as a Technical Consultant Specialist at a number of vehicle manufacturer head offices including Toyota, Mazda, Chrysler/Dodge and Suzuki. He is also a certified EEC IV & EEC V technician from Ford with an Advanced Engine Performance Diagnosis qualification for the 7.3 L DIT & 6.0 L DIT. Prior to some of this Ontario experience, he earned over 10 years of experience working in Alberta at a Ford dealership, focusing on Diesel engines.

Jean’s passion for repairs started early when he started helping his father repair and maintain his farm equipment. He made a decision to pursue being a technician and entered a trade school after hearing some wise words from his high school teacher who said: “If you don’t do any training, you will be obsolete in 8 years”. These words stuck with Jean and throughout the years he has continued to learn about new vehicle technology, taking evening Electronic Courses at Algonquin College in addition to the additional online courses and in class courses offered through his work experience as well as other all makes focuses, such as some specific gas and diesel engine diagnostic repairs for Chryslers.